Prescriptions - is this normal?

[TheFuckfaceWhisperer]

I’m on iron medicine, have been for a while now due to severe anaemia. This is a repeat prescription so no need to see doctor for one every time. Previously I didn’t pay for my prescriptions and was getting two big bottles every other month. Now, I have to pay and my amount has been halved, so for £8.80 I only got one bottle and have to get another in a month! It seems really unfair and like they’re taking advantage really, when all this time my prescription was for 800mls and now it’s suddenly half that now I have to pay. Is this normal?

Oops, that was me Daisy Why do they always say '4 items?' To me when I pick the meds up at the pharmacy then? I haven't paid for a prescription since it was £5-6ish so I'm not very clued up.

That probably needs some clarification. 4 items being 2 other meds and 2 lots of thyroxine

They would say 4 items so that they can check that all four prescription items are present when they hand them out. Also,unless things have changed 4 dispensing fees are paid by the NHS, however there would be "only" 3 script charges if you paid. There is guidance from the PSNC and the NHS Business Authority, however all pharmacists should be aware and train their staff properly. In my old pharmacy they display a notice about script charges where this is explained.
It is difficult - for example if you took 3.5mg of prednisolone it would be 2 charges as the 2.5mg prednisolone is enteric coated and the 1mg are plain!! As for some HRT-it can go to 3 charges. It is bonkers!!! Sadly the pharmacy staff get landed with explaining it.

Oh blimey, no wonder the pharmacy staff always look a bit stressed. So long as I get my meds I'm really not fussed how they come